July is the peak time for blueberries, but you can still enjoy them during the other months, including during National Nutrition Month, either fresh or frozen. Blueberries are among the fruits with the highest amounts of antioxidants, which may help fight aging, cancer and heart disease.
Blueberries are also loaded with dietary fiber and vitamins A and C. At only 80 calories per cup, blueberries are also virtually fat-free!
Did you know that 90% of the highbush blueberry crop is harvested in six states, Michigan, New Jersey, Oregon, North Carolina, Georgia and Washington? When you buy fresh blueberries, make sure they are firm, dry, plump, smooth-skinned, with a silvery surface bloom and free from leaves and stems. Refrigerate fresh blueberries as soon as you get them home in their original package or in a covered bowl or storage container. Use fresh berries within 10 days of purchase and wash them just before use.
If you opt for frozen berries from your grocery store, know that commercially frozen berries are washed before being frozen and do not need to be washed again.
Blueberries are great as a snack, in pancakes, a salad or muffins. Want something different for breakfast? Try these Blueberry Yogurt Belgian Waffles which are also gluten-free.
http://www.eatright.org/nnm/blog.aspx?id=4294970053&blogid=6442450952
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